Patients Travelling Abroad
If you are travelling abroad and take regular medication, please plan ahead and request your prescription in good time.
Travelling for less than 3 months
If you are going abroad for less than 3 months, the practice may be able to provide enough of your regular medication for your time away, where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some medicines may not be suitable to issue in larger quantities, especially if they require regular monitoring or review. The final decision remains with the GP or prescribing clinician.
Travelling for more than 3 months
If you are leaving the UK for more than 3 months, you should arrange ongoing healthcare and medication supply in the country where you will be staying.
The practice may provide a supply of regular medication to allow you time to make alternative arrangements, where it is safe to do so. Ongoing NHS prescriptions cannot be issued for long-term stays abroad.
Patients who are away from the UK for 3 months or more may be removed from the practice list in line with NHS regulations. You can apply to re-register when you return to live in the UK.
Requesting medication while abroad
NHS prescriptions are intended for patients who are currently in the UK. If you become unwell while abroad or need more medication, you should seek advice from a doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider in the country you are visiting.
“Just in case” medication
GPs do not usually prescribe medication just in case you become unwell while travelling. This includes antibiotics, steroids, sleeping tablets, or other medicines unless there is a clear clinical reason.
Controlled drugs and medication rules abroad
Some medicines that are legal in the UK may be restricted or illegal in other countries. This can include controlled drugs and some over-the-counter medicines.
Before travelling, you should check the rules for your destination country. You may need to carry your medication in its original packaging, take a copy of your prescription, or request a GP letter. Please note there may be a charge for private travel letters.
Travel vaccinations
Please contact the practice as early as possible before travel. Ideally, travel advice and vaccinations should be arranged at least 6 weeks before you travel.
Some travel vaccines are available on the NHS, but others are private and may need to be arranged through a travel clinic or pharmacy.
